I was standing in my office talking on the phone to a friend a few years ago about my ministry role. “What is your job, Tim?” was the simple question he asked. Now, that seemed like an easy enough inquiry to answer at the time, so I spouted off a trivial response about vision casting and giving direction. “Wrong” was the retort I received. It was more like a rebuke, so I guess the question wasn’t as simple as I thought. After some lengthy conversations, he gave me new language and a greater appreciation for my job with these words: “Your responsibility is to release potential.” I had never used those words before or even considered such an uncomplicated yet understandable definition of my duties.

Jesus put it in the right order when he said, “I know my sheep, and my sheep know me.” He recognized that knowing always comes before known. What do our ‘sheep’ need to know about us? Simple. They need to know we care. A good shepherd doesn’t just turn sheep loose and let them wander. At the end of the day, she gathers them together, cares for each one, cradles them in his arms, combs through their thick wool, and looks to see of if there are problems beneath the surface. In doing so, she learns what problems they might be facing, what wounds they have received, where they have been spending time, or what sickness they may be susceptible to contract. It takes time and touch to teach them how special they really are.

Life and leadership is about releasing potential in people—young and old—who are all gifted, talented, and called by God to lead the cause of Jesus Christ. It’s about individual sheep; it’s not about the size of the flock. We must take time to know each one, and that means digging through their exterior and getting down to their heart. Unless we make knowing them a priority, releasing their potential is virtually impossible.

It’s always ways better to know, so I encourage you a greater commitment of knowing your sheep; at home, in ministry, in life. Let’s not get caught in the youth trap that plagues many Christian leaders of being known: craving compliments, requiring recognition, and seeking self-promotion.

The more time people have one-on-one with you the greater opportunity they have to be heard. And as we listen to the causes and concerns on their hearts, we will be better able to know God’s call on their life to support their mission and release their potential.

Make a list of your activities today and see where you spending the most of your time. If it’s not life-on-life, consider rearranging some priorities. Remember, it’s all about relationships.